GC09; PS3 Slim announced; universal price cut confirmed

We’re still at Gamescom and the wi-fi is a little fuzzy at the moment so, just in case you missed our Twitter feed, we’ll keep this brief.

Sony have finally announced a price cut for the PS3 while also unveiling the oft-rumoured PS3 Slim.

Taking to the stage at Cologne, Sony big-wig Kazou Hirai talked about how Sony have a bright future and how Gamescom is officially “the third major date on our gaming calendars” (after E3 and TGS).

But enough of the pleasantries, Kaz also wanted to touch upon form and certain things “slim.”

To rapturous applause, Hirai-san announced that there is a new PS3 model on the way (Really? There’s a shock!). With a 120GB drive, 33% smaller and 36% lighter, the most important aspect of the new PS3 Slim is its price: €299/$299/¥29,980 (the GBP price is still to be confirmed though expect something between £250 – £260).

The new model will be available in all regions from the first week of September.

And if you can’t wait that long. From tomorrow, all PS3s, irrespective of girth, will be the same price. There you have it folks – PS3 Slim and a universal price cut. We’re so happy we could pee.

We’ll be back with our thoughts and impressions of the entire Sony keynote (there was a lot covered from digital comics, Firmware 3.0 and Europe getting its own video store) but for now … beers. German beers. And lots of them.